American Constitutional Development and Interpretation I: The Constitutional Structure

POLSCI 245

Introduction to primary themes of American constitutional structure (judicial review, democracy, federalism, and separation of powers), their shaping and reshaping through cultural conflict over course of American history, and basic methods of constitutional interpretation (text, structure, history, precedent, consequences, identity, and aspirationalism). Special focus on relationships among constitutional text, judicial doctrine, and constitutional interpretation outside the courts. One course.